Non-Negotiable

There’s something about life that constantly pushes us to adjust, to bend, to shape ourselves into forms that please people, get things done faster, or avoid unnecessary drama. But even in all that stretching and adjusting, there’s always that one part of us we hold on to. Something that says, “No matter what happens, this stays.” For me, that one thing is respect both giving it and expecting it.

It may sound simple, but I’ve come to realize that the world often tries to test it. There are moments when people feel entitled to talk to you however they like just because you’re quiet or gentle. There are situations where the crowd wants you to go with the flow, even if it means disrespecting someone else or forgetting your own sense of self. But for me, once respect is out the window, I step back. I believe in treating people like they matter, and I also believe that I matter too.

Growing up, my parents didn’t have to talk much about respect they lived it. My dad never raised his voice, yet when he spoke, people listened. My mum could correct you with the softest tone, and somehow it would still hit your chest. They taught me by example that respect isn’t weakness. It’s actually strength held in balance. It’s knowing your place but not forcing it on others. It’s standing firm without stepping on anyone.

I’ve lost friends because of this. I’ve walked out of conversations and even turned down opportunities when they came with disrespect. It’s not pride. It’s just that I believe peace and dignity should not be traded, not even for the sweetest-looking deal. You can bend a schedule, you can shift your plans, but when it comes to how I am spoken to, how I speak to others, and how people are treated in my presence, I don’t shake on that.

What keeps me grounded is the simple truth that the world will always keep moving. People will keep changing. Trends will fade and come back in new clothes. But what I believe and how I choose to treat others, especially in the quiet moments, reflects the kind of person I am becoming. I don’t want to become someone who only stands for what’s convenient. I want to be someone who stands for something solid, even when it’s not the popular thing.

Sometimes, standing firm on what you believe can feel lonely. You might wonder if you’re being too rigid or old-fashioned. But deep down, there’s peace. That quiet, inner peace that comes from knowing you didn’t betray yourself just to blend in or keep the moment sweet. That’s what makes me sleep well at night.

I also believe everyone has something like this a value or standard they guard closely. For some, it’s their time. For others, it’s their honesty or faith. And all of them are valid. The beauty of humanity is that we don’t all have to stand on the same thing, but we all need something to stand on.

So if you’ve got that one non-negotiable, don’t let the noise shake you. Stand firm. And if you’re still figuring yours out, take your time. Life will show you where you draw your line. And when it does, honour it. Because in a world where people bend too easily just to fit in or survive, your ability to stay rooted in something real is what will keep you whole.

That’s the part of me I protect. That’s the value I don’t compromise. That’s what keeps me grounded. What about you?